Our testers put these push mowers through their paces to evaluate power, bagging, handling, leaf mulching, cut quality, and even ease of storage.

Craftsman 917.370432

Craftsman 917.370432

Likes: Craftsman mowers do well in our tests, and this machine was no exception. Benefiting from a large engine, it plowed through tall grass and chugged nicely up slopes. It also earned points for a beefy guard flap behind the deck, and for highly visible red bag-mounting brackets that help you settle the bag back onto the mower after dumping the clippings.

Dislikes: The two rear deck-height levers are too short to be easily gripped and pivoted.

Husqvarna HU800AWD

Husqvarna HU800AWD

Likes: It was no surprise the AWD proved to be the most aggressive hill climber, but we didn’t expect it to outbag the competition while producing a velvetlike cut. We also liked its easy-starting Honda engine, heavy-duty pleated-paper air filter, and dual-drive control levers, which suit left-handed and right-handed operators.

Dislikes: Access to the oil-fill neck is awkward. You need a long, narrow funnel to add lubricant.